Cincinnati Zoo's oldest building to get a makeover

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is launching a renovation effort at its historic Reptile House, which at 137 years is the oldest zoo building in the nation.

The Cincinnati Business Courier reports that the Reptile House is home to hundreds of rare reptiles. The project includes improvements to its roof, mortars, windows and vents, according to a press release. And the building's iconic roof will be restored to its original color of red.

The renovations are funded through a matching grant of $409,000 awarded in 2011 from the U.S. Department of Interior.

The building will stay open while the exterior renovations take place, but it will close during winter 2013 for an interior makeover, the zoo said.